Yahoo News Dr Michael Mosley reveals one spoonful of certain food per day reduces blood pressure
Michael Mosley has revealed a simple tip which could be a game-changer in terms of health and wellbeing. The famous TV doctor - who is known for his 5:2 and Fast 800 diets, talked all about the wonders of olive oil during his BBC Radio 4 show 'Just One Thing'.
Dr Mosley said that a tablespoon of olive oil each day can help provide a powerhouse of health benefits due to its high polyphenol content. He explained: "Olive oil is also rich in something called Oleic acid, which, along with the polyphenols, could explain why a good glug of olive oil a day can lower inflammation, improve our memory and reduce blood pressure."
Mosley then went on to explain that splashing out the higher price for extra virgin olive oil can maximise the impact it has on the body - while putting it a cut above other oils like rapeseed. Citing prior research, the health guru added: "In a recent Spanish study of over 12,000 people, researchers found that those who had a tablespoon and a half of olive oil a day were half as likely to die from cardiovascular disease, which is impressive.
"This association was only found with those consuming extra virgin olive oil and not refined or ordinary olive oil. On the other hand, a 2020 roundup found that consuming olive oil in whatever form lowered blood pressure, though extra virgin had a bigger impact."
The Mirror reports that a study of 25 older adults with mild memory issues found that a daily dose of 30 mls of extra virgin olive oil improved brain connectivity. Inflammation is a huge health concern, and can lead to joint pain, diabetes and depression.
Gloucestershire Live reports that Dr Mosley went on: "A daily dose of olive oil could also dampen down chronic inflammation, which is linked to dementia and cancer. A recent roundup of 30 studies found that daily consumption of olive oil, reduced levels of interleukin six and C reactive protein, two markers of inflammation."
On inflammation, Doctor Bill Mullen, from the University of Glasgow, explained: "The major component of olive oil is Oleic acid, and it's one of these omega nine fatty acids. Oleic acid is certainly known for having anti-inflammatory effects, and we're pretty sure a lot of these chronic diseases start with inflammation.
"And if it does have an anti-inflammatory effect, it's most likely that it's going to prevent issues in the endothelial function on the art interior walls that will stop build-up of plaques from forming on the arterial walls, which these are all basically made up of collagen. And if it can prevent any damage to the endothelial and the collagen there, then this could be the main reason why olive oil has the effect.
"And if it's good for coronary arteries, it's good for arteries in the brain as well. It seems to do just about everything because, you know, even for brain health again, anything that's anti-inflammatory - it does seem to be advantageous for that. There's a reduction in people who have issues with dementia, especially if we're just looking at, say, vascular dementia."
